Certified translators and interpreters work all over the world to help people understand one another. As you are likely aware, there are translators that assist with languages like English, Spanish, and Japanese. Sometimes professional interpreters are needed to translate for witnesses in courtrooms. Other times, these translators help medical professionals speak to patients in Spanish or German. A list of helpful key terms is found below, and these definitions can assist you with learning more about translated languages and interpreters.

Language Interpreter – A certified professional who translates speech orally. This speech can be in languages like French, Spanish, English, or Italian.

Court Interpreter – This is a licensed translator that interprets foreign languages during court proceedings and criminal trials. This is so the jury, judge, and attorneys can understand what is said.

Electronic Translator – An electronic device that translates languages. These are often hand held devices that can be spoken into or typed on. They translate phrases and words from languages like German, Chinese, French, and Italian.

Certified Translator – This is a professional who is certified in specific languages, and works to translate or interpret words and phrases from one language to another. These experts often have jobs in schools, universities, courtrooms, and for the federal government.

Free Online Translation – These are websites that translate languages like English, Spanish, and Japanese, free of charge. Typically a word or phrase can be typed in, and then it can be translated to a chosen language.

International Interpreter – An expert with the job of translating various languages. These professionals often travel the world, and assist individuals and businesses in various countries with language translation.

Translators and interpreters provide valuable explanations in various languages, including sign language, English, Spanish, French, Latin, German, Japanese, and Italian. Interpreters translate between languages simultaneously, such as in a courtroom, whereas translators often provide translations for printed or electronic documents. Courtroom interpreters are certified by the government and go through special training before receiving job certification. When someone needs to be in court but does not speak the working language of the court, the services of a translator are invaluable.

Translating and interpreting are performed either on a free lance basis or full-time for a company. Translators and interpreters often must explain obscure phrases or words in an archaic language. Certain translators specialize in particular fields. For example, some translators and interpreters work with medical professionals internationally and are required to possess a high level of proficiency in technical words and phrases. In order to be successful in such a job, a translator has to maintain a very high level of ability in the languages he or she translates.

Some companies provide translations on their websites. There are also handheld devices and applications that provide direct translations. Although these online and electronic services can be very helpful, especially when you need to translate a few words or sentences, they cannot replace the expertise of a professional translator.

With the rate of globalization increasing every day, people are more often coming in contact with others who speak different languages. Whether your first language is English, Spanish, French or something else, the services of a translator or interpreter can allow you to communicate with people from all over the world.